Catholic Bible
Mosaico decorativo

Psalms, 56

1. To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

1.

2. Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up: for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High.

2. O God, show your mercy to me, for my foes are in hot pursuit; they press their attack on me all the time.

3. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

3. My accusers pursue me all day long, many attack me.

4. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

4. But when I am afraid, O Mighty One, I put my trust in you,

5. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil.

5. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust without fear. What can mortals do against me?

6. They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

6. All day long they hatch their evil plans, plotting mischief to injure my cause.

7. Shall they escape by iniquity? in [thine] anger cast down the people, O God.

7. They conspire and lurk around, watching my every move, bent upon taking my life.

8. Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

8. They must not be allowed to go unpunished; therefore, O God, in your fury bring the nations down.

9. When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me.

9. You have a record of my laments; my tears are stored in your wineskin. Are they not written on your scroll?

10. In God will I praise [his] word: in the LORD will I praise [his] word.

10. My enemies turn back when I call on you for help; now I know that God is for me.

11. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

11. In God whose word I praise,

12. Thy vows [are] upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.

12. in God I trust without fear. What can mortals do against me?

13. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

13. I am bound to you by vows, O God; I shall offer my thanksgiving.

14.

14. For you have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I might walk in God's presence in the light of the living.



Read the Bible in a Year

Join our community and complete the entire Bible in 365 days. A structured and inspiring path to deepen your faith and knowledge of Scripture.

Join the Program Download the PDF Plan

Footnotes:

56:1 - The psalmist cries out to God in times of fear, showing that vulnerability is part of the human experience. This highlights the need to trust God when we face challenges (see also Psalm 34:4 and Isaiah 41:10).

56:3-4 - The psalmist's assertion that he trusts in God even in the midst of fear emphasizes the strength of faith. This trust is crucial for overcoming anxiety and despair (see also Philippians 4:13 and 2 Timothy 1:7).

56:5-6 - The psalmist describes how his enemies attack him and gather against him. This reflects the reality of the opposition believers face and the need to remain steadfast in the faith (see also Psalm 27:2 and Romans 8:31).

56:8 - God's request that He record the psalmist's tears reveals the intimacy of his relationship with God. Each tear is counted, demonstrating God's care and compassion for us (see also Psalm 126:5 and Revelation 21:4).

56:12-13 - The psalmist expresses his commitment to offer thanksgiving to God for His salvation. This highlights the importance of gratitude and praise in response to God's love (see also Psalm 100:4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Verses related to Psalms, 56:

Psalm 56, by David, is a song of confidence in the midst of fear. How to overcome anxiety by trusting in God? Written when David was captured by the Philistines, this psalm alternates between expressions of fear and declarations of faith. The refrain "In God, whose word I praise" anchors the psalmist in divine truth. The text addresses themes of persecution, divine protection and the power of God's word. Psalm 56 encourages trusting God even under intense pressure. Consider with us five biblical passages that reinforce the unshakable confidence expressed in this inspiring psalm.

1 Samuel 21:10-15: "That same day David fled from Saul and went to the city of Gath, where King Achish lived. [...] David engraved these words in his heart and was very afraid of Achish, king of Gath. That's why he pretended to be crazy in their sight; and, when they caught him, he began to make scribbles on the door frames and drool on his beard." - This excerpt provides the historical context for Psalm 56, which is attributed to David when the Philistines arrested him at Gath.

Romans 8:31: "What shall we say, then, in the face of these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" - This verse echoes the theme of trusting God in the face of adversity, present in Psalm 56.

Hebrews 13:6: "Therefore we can say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" - This passage directly quotes Psalm 56:11, reaffirming trust in God in the face of human fear.

2 Corinthians 1:20: "For as many promises as God makes, so many have their 'yes' in Christ. Therefore, through him, the 'Amen' is pronounced by us to the glory of God." - This verse reflects the theme of Psalm 56:12 about fulfilling vows to God, emphasizing faithfulness to divine promises.

Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe away every tear from your eyes. There will be no more death, nor sadness, nor crying, nor pain, for the old order has passed away." - This passage echoes the theme of Psalm 56:8, where God guards the psalmist's tears, promising ultimate comfort.

FAQ:

What does Psalm 56 teach us about trusting in God?

Psalm 56 teaches us to trust in God even in times of fear and persecution. The psalmist expresses his confidence that God is with him, protecting him. (Psalm 56:3-4)

How does David ask for God's help in Psalm 56?

David cries out to God for help, asking for deliverance from his afflictions and protection from his enemies. He trusts that God will hear his prayers. (Psalm 56:9-11)

How important is God's faithfulness in Psalm 56?

David acknowledges God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, affirming that God preserves and saves His own. (Psalm 56:12-13)

How does David express his faith in the face of the enemy?

David declares his trust in God, believing that even when his enemies rise up against him, God is on his side. (Psalm 56:9)

What does Psalm 56 teach us about prayer in difficult times?

Psalm 56 teaches us to pray sincerely to God in times of distress, seeking His help and maintaining faith in His protection. (Psalm 56:8-9)


Bibles

Old Testament

New Testament

Avaiable on Youtube